Practicing 'Ocean Optimism'

Today, the weather suits my mood. There is dense fog covering the harbor, and rain has been coming down in buckets. Perfect afternoon to stay inside and watch "Farming in Bermuda". Unfortunately, I tuned in at the tail end of the show. 

I am very intrigued by the agricultural challenges here- the lack of available farm land, the need to import so much produce, the public health ramifications of not having easy access to affordable, healthy food. Coming from a community like ours, where fresh fruits and veggies are superfluous, it is hard to fathom the reliance on imports. But that is a way of life here. Everything is imported. It all comes in cargo crates- thus, prices are high.

Bermuda is a volcanic island, affectionately known as "The Rock". Rather than vistas of open farm fields, there are lush green hills on limestone rocks, and open vistas of the sea. It is much different from the East End. 

I had a flawless trip from JFK. We landed 3o minutes early, presumably due to winds. I had just enough time to have a Prosecco, enjoy the clouds, and wonder to myself how high up Heaven actually is. I remarked to the Bermudian lady next to me how close Bermuda is to our shores. Yet, it seems to remain in obscurity to many- for reasons that defy my comprehension.

Thankful to have a lovely room in a pink guest house, I quickly changed and set off (without umbrella) to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. It was the perfect day to immerse myself in the oceans, to learn about "misunderstood" sharks and the infamous Bermuda Triangle. 

As I was leaving BUEI, I saw 2 adult sisters helping their elderly mother into the car from a wheelchair. Seeing myself in them, I was ready to help. I did not know them, but I felt relieved that the lady in the pretty blue suit had good "kids". 

I am not sure if this brief experience turned my mood, or whether I was merely irritated that the rain would raise my daily taxi tab to over $100. Somehow, I wound up having lunch at the Hog Penny, questioning if this trip was a good idea...

Then, I got a text from Larry- our beloved cab driver from Easter. He offered to come and get me in town- to rescue me from the downpours.

My grief counselor warned me that being alone could make my "grief process" accelerate. Yet, what is the alternative? The truth is that we cannot be bolstered from everything that hurts. I later learned that Nina had a bad day too. This is our first separation, since life has taken a variety of turns...

I saw a sign today that resonated with me; it was a quote describing OCEAN OPTIMISM: "Individually, we are one drop, but together we are an ocean". 

Lesson of the day: Bermuda cannot change my life in real time; nothing can. But connectedness will make a difference.

Back in my room, listening to the rain and tree frogs, I heard a beautiful sound. 

"Meeeeeeoooooooooow"! 

It was an elderly tiger cat named Olive, coming to make sure that I felt at home. 

Impeccable timing.